New Arc Line News

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

Previously, we have talked at length about the role of magic in New Arc Line, and it's high time we discussed the role technology plays in our world and its future. After all, imposing steam-powered exoskeletons, weird, crackling tesla-powered weapons or ultra-reliable diesel engines can be just as enchanting as any magical incantation! But not all in the world of New Arc Line is shiny and running like clockwork, despite the engineering and scientific elite ruling it.



[h3]The Rise of Technologists[/h3]
We will not repeat our history lecture about the Weavers and Reus the Lawbringer and how he made scientific progress possible - you can read all about it in "A Brief History of Magic." Suffice to say, after the Mago-Technology wars, science and engineering became the ruling principles. This triumph catapulted the Technologists to power, and nothing stood in the way of industrialization and inventors becoming the new sorcerers, the ones shaping the world and society alike. Steamboats took over the seas, zeppelins conquered the skies and wands and magical staves were surpassed by guns, grenades and other technological implements of death.



[h3]Automatons' Revolution[/h3]
A recent invention kickstarted yet another paradigm shift - Wayne Zindo's breakthrough, the creation of automatons, didn't just cement his leadership among the Technologists - it transformed society as a whole. These efficient, low-cost machines can perform all kinds of tasks, from logging to babysitting, driving unprecedented economic growth. After all, automatons do not tire, falter or complain, and so they allow people to enjoy their lives, instead of toiling away in menial jobs. The innovation paved the way for Mr. Zindo to head the Eastern Technology Syndicate, which is at the heart of the action in New Arc Line.



[h3]The Downside of Progress[/h3]
But trouble is brewing beneath the surface. As you might have guessed, the rise of automatons has led to massive layoffs in industrial plants, leaving countless families without a source of income. Ironically, the very workers who once cheered for the suppression of mages are now being crushed by the wheels of the technological revolution they helped create. Industrialists still promise a bright future, and who knows - perhaps they will turn the world into a utopia in the end. But as of the beginning of the story of New Arc Line, the poor, the tired, the huddled masses still yearn to be free and it seems that one form of tyranny has simply replaced another.



[h3]Never say die![/h3]
Nevertheless, talented enthusiasts can still make their dreams come true, even in this rapidly evolving world - if they show a real work ethic, that is! Opportunities abound in three technological areas in particular: Tesla, Diesel, and Steam. Each field requires a unique skillset from its practitioners, but gives them access to specialized weapons and equipment, granting powerful abilities on par with actual magic. In the game, this translates into the option to select out of three playable technological classes*:

Diesel Engineer
Often seen sporting leather coats with many pockets and utility belts to store the tools they need for their constant tinkering, Diesel Engineers are experts in firearms and skilled creators of cutting-edge diesel gadgets - you never know when a Jetpack might come in handy to bail you out of a tight spot!

Steam Mechanic
These are the most hands-on of the technological classes, preferring to face any problem and obstacle head-on. To that end, they utilize the awesome strength of highly reliable steam engines, powering wearable gear that enhances their own physical abilities; the most skilled Mechanics construct and operate full steam-powered exoskeletons, transforming into nigh-unstoppable behemoths when the need arises to bash some skulls in!

Tesla Scientist
Practitioners of the most mysterious, almost ethereal of the technological disciplines can often be seen with strange, buzzing and sparkling instruments strapped to their bodies, nervously fidgeting as they strive to control lightning itself. The more superstitious folk would say that Tesla Scientists are playing with powers beyond their understanding that are better left alone, but the most accomplished of these scholars are rumored to be able to even reanimate lifeless bodies - what could go wrong?

*Diesel Engineer will be available at Early Access launch, Steam Mechanic and Tesla Scientist will be added as playable classes later.



Thank you for joining us on another brief foray into the world of New Arc Line – we hope you enjoyed it! We cannot wait for you to dive into the game's world when we launch into Early Access on November 26, 2024 - stay tuned, don't forget to wishlist & follow the game here on Steam and join the New Arc Line Discord server, so you stay up to date on all news and announcements!

Until next time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

We have some big news for you today: New Arc Line will release in Early Access on November 26, 2024!

We’ve been contemplating this decision for some time, but the feedback from the Steam Next Fest demo has been so invaluable that we’ve chosen to opt in for the Early Access launch model. Simply put, we want to work closely with you, our fans, to make the full version of New Arc Line a truly unforgettable RPG experience.

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We know there are some players who are hesitant about a story-based game being released this way. Don’t worry though - the initial Early Access launch will only contain about a quarter of the main storyline. While we will be adding more areas and quests in several content updates leading up to the full release, we plan to bring in more side-quests and world-building content rather than progressing the main story too far. We will primarily focus on adding more classes, abilities, companions, and gameplay features and working with the feedback we receive to make the underlying mechanics as balanced and fun to play as possible - so that when the full launch comes next year, everyone will have a reason to pick the game up again and make their mark on the New World.

In the coming weeks, we will keep sharing more details about the Early Access launch content and the game's world. For now, we have decided to take down the Steam Next Fest demo - it’s become outdated and does not represent the current state of the game. Thanks to your reports and suggestions, we have already made significant improvements, especially to the optimization and general technical state of the game. Keeping the demo updated would take away from development time, and we want to spend more time working on the game's launch version.

If you wish to support development and help make New Arc Line the game of your (and our) dreams, we would be incredibly grateful. Your purchase of the Early Access version, feedback on our Discord server and Steam discussion forums, are invaluable to us. To show our appreciation, the early access version of New Arc Line will be available at a significantly reduced price - 19.99 USD/EUR, which we will be raising later on. Of course, you are absolutely welcome to wait for the full release. However, please be sure to wishlist the game and follow it on Steam, so you can stay up to date at all times!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/

Greetings to both Technologists and Magicians!

We are tremendously excited by the interest you've shown in the New Arc Line Demo, which is currently available during Steam Next Fest, until October 21.

We are closely watching both our Discord server and Steam discussions for all your feedback, and thanks to you, we've been able to implement an update to the demo version - so please keep all the comments and constructive criticism coming, it is truly invaluable for the further development of the game!

The update fixes the issue with lagging dialogues many of you have reported, and we've managed to improve the overall optimization; thus the game should run smoother for you now, although that will of course vary based on your individual PCs. Rest assured, we will keep working on improving the optimization before we launch the game.

We hope to see you in the demo soon!

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

We have excellent news for you today - we are excited to announce that New Arc Line is joining the Steam Next Fest with a free demo, available from today until October 21 - so make sure to jump in right now to get your first chance to explore a world where Technology is at constant odds with Magic!


As many of you have noticed, several journalists and influencers have tasted a sample of the game already and have shared their initial impressions (for example PCGamesN.com, SplattercatGaming, MortismalGaming or TheGamer.com). The demo version you can get your hands on right now is different, however, so even if you had read and watched the previews, it will not spoil your experience at all!

You will get to select from 2 classes and play as either a Voodoo Shaman or a Diesel Engineer of either the Human or Elven race. The events of the demo take place a little further on in the main storyline, in a small part of the Harbor Slums - you will be tasked with investigating the Leprosarium and find out why a doctor is not making her rounds, helping the poor community afflicted by the deadly Iron Plague epidemic (find out more details about the disease in our previous devlog).

We are really looking forward to seeing what you think about the short demo, and what choices you will make! Come let us know here in the comments, in the Steam Discussions, or better yet, come chat with the devs as well as fellow fans on the New Arc Line Official Discord server. We are also preparing more surprising announcements for you very soon - don't forget to wishlist and follow the game so you are always up to date!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

Today we want to tell you more about magic and its place in the world of New Arc Line. As we have told you previously, there’s a duality to our world - a simmering conflict between technology and magic. And even though technologists have the upper hand at this point in history, becoming a magician can still grant you awe-inspiring powers. So, let’s peer into the magic’s glorious past, and then see what its present has in store for you as well.

[h2]Glory Days of the Arcane Arts[/h2]
In days long gone, magic and its practitioners ruled the world; and the most talented and dedicated mages could challenge and overcome the very laws of reality - imagine making a waterfall flow upwards, or constructing actual Penrose stairs leading to someone’s house. The most powerful among the arcane practitioners, those achieving the absolute pinnacle of magical excellence and performing true miracles, became known as the Weavers - godlike beings whom others worshipped and followed.

The Weavers' power was almost limitless; they weren’t just wielding magic, they were its very embodiment. With a wave of their hand, the world could change, and they ruled it without opposition. It was brimming with wonders and mysteries, but also teetered on the brink of chaos, and regular people were nothing more than shadows to the powerful sorcerers, just pawns in their grand games.

But a hero arose - Reus the Lawbringer, who wanted to bring justice and balance to the world, and while the sorcerers were blinded by their own grandeur, he worked in secret and discovered the true source of their power; he managed to erect a barrier that severely limited the power of magic and with that decisive act, caused the downfall of the Weavers. This event allowed technology to develop and thrive, bringing prosperity to the people, allowing them to shape the world by non-magical means.

Unfortunately, while magic no longer impeded technology, this only turned the situation around - as it was the spreading of new mechanical inventions that was now causing magic to fade even further from the world. And with harmonious coexistence an impossibility, the Mago-Technology Wars became inevitable - bloody and devastating conflicts from which the technologists emerged victorious, solidifying their status as the ruling class today.



[h2]Magic in the World Today[/h2]
At the time the game's story takes place, magic is but a shadow of its former self. In places where Reus’ barrier is worn thin, entropic rifts can appear and from those, a magician can glimpse a fraction of the old knowledge, growing their powers. Some say that in doing so, they can hear faint whispers of the Weavers themselves, defeated but not destroyed, trying to regain their strength and rule the world once more.



[h3]Magical Corruption[/h3]
Even the relatively limited access to magic (compared to its glory days, anyway) and its use comes at a price, however. Due to the effects of Reus’ barrier, spellcasters risk transforming into distorted, vile creatures - the abhorrent. This happens gradually and there is no clear threshold; but while using simple cantrips is relatively safe, casting powerful, devastating spells greatly increases the danger of becoming corrupted by the magical energies. Maybe the risk is worth it though, as your increasing magical corruption can even grant you unexpected benefits, even while turning you into a monstrous being of malevolence and rage.



[h3]Societal Implications[/h3]
Magicians in cities are, by and large, relegated to the outskirts and poor districts, living in destitute slums. This is only partly by choice, as they cannot thrive when surrounded by technology; and it is the ruling technologists who control the bustling metropolitan centers. They are also blamed for all the world's troubles, especially the scourge that is the Iron Plague (more details about that can be found in our previous devlog). Consequently, many mages choose a life outside of urbanized areas, away from what technologists would consider "civilization," congregating in secluded enclaves where technology has no place, and they are free to practice their magical and occult rituals.



Yet many still do decide to reside in cities such as New Arc, and eke out a meager living - some do their best to improve the status of mages by lawful means, but quite often, they end up so alienated that they join the various underworld, illegal (and even downright terrorist) organizations, working to undermine the system and return the world to what they see as the proper order; giving some truth to the prejudice they face, forming a vicious cycle.



[h2]Choose your Path[/h2]
Even so, perhaps this adventure of becoming a magic-wielding underdog in the world of New Arc Line is alluring to you, despite all its risks. In that case, be ready to select the arcane profession that best suits your spirit - what kind of a spellcaster will you become?



[h3]Celestial Sage[/h3]
Celestial spells are the arcane manifestation of the forces of order. The wise sages practicing this discipline prefer healing and empowering themselves and their allies with various buffs; and they like to wear bright colors. But don’t be fooled by their angelic aura - masters of celestial magic are perfectly capable of causing serious bodily harm to their (typically technologist) enemies when necessary. The power of celestial spells increases with the character’s wisdom.

[h3]Hellfire Occultist[/h3]
The most aggressive and outright violent of the magical disciplines, hellfire spells conjure forth scorching flames and all things demonic into the world. Masters of the Hellfire school of magic are not the kind to back away from a fight, and they are willing to do everything in their power to come out on top. To that end, they can often be seen sporting heavy mace-like scepters; just in case their fiery blaze alone isn't enough to obliterate their foes. Even the efficiency of the occultist’s spells relies on the character’s physical strength.

[h3]Voodoo Shaman[/h3]
Voodoo is an ancient, primeval magical discipline, connected to nature and death. Its masters can be easily identified by their macabre outfits and accessories; they specialize in cursing and weakening their enemies, and overall making their day rather unpleasant. The strength of voodoo spells is connected to the character’s "perception" attribute.



Thank you for joining us on another brief foray into the world of New Arc Line – we hope you enjoyed it! We will soon share even more details from the development of the game. We know that by far the most asked question is "When will we see some gameplay?" - well, let's just say we have a surprise for you all planned for next week.

Stay tuned, and don't forget to wishlist & follow the game here on Steam and join the New Arc Line Discord server, so you stay up to date on all news and announcements!

Until next time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/